Why Does the Car Make More Noise When the Air Conditioner is On?
2 Answers
When the car's air conditioner is turned on, the increased noise may be caused by a dirty or stuck throttle valve, abnormal noise from the air conditioning pump, or improper tension of the compressor drive belt. The functions of the car air conditioner include regulating the temperature inside the car, adjusting the humidity, controlling airflow, and purifying the air, ensuring air quality and comfort inside the cabin. Below are explanations for a dirty or stuck throttle valve, abnormal noise from the air conditioning pump, and improper tension of the compressor drive belt: 1. Dirty or stuck throttle valve: When the air conditioner is on, the compressor also operates, and since the compressor is driven by the engine, turning on the air conditioner increases the engine's load. This means the engine needs to increase the throttle opening to allow more air intake. When the throttle valve has carbon buildup or is stuck, it can cause engine shaking and abnormal noise, which becomes more noticeable when the air conditioner is on. 2. Abnormal noise from the air conditioning pump: There are two main causes for abnormal noise from the air conditioning pump: the electromagnetic clutch and the bearings inside the air conditioning pump. Noise from the electromagnetic clutch is mainly due to wear, which increases the gap, while noise from the bearings is usually caused by a lack of lubrication. If these issues are not resolved promptly, they can lead to the air conditioning pump burning out and failing to perform cooling functions. 3. Improper tension of the compressor drive belt: If the drive belt is too loose, the electromagnetic clutch may slip; if it's too tight, the load on the electromagnetic clutch increases. Improper tension of the drive belt can cause abnormal noise at best and damage the air conditioning compressor at worst.
I've seen many cases where the car's air conditioning noise becomes louder. The most common issue is a problem with the fan—the fan blades might be deformed or something is stuck, like leaves or debris that fell in, causing noise when it spins. Another possibility is compressor wear, especially when driving faster or when the air conditioning is cooling more intensely, resulting in a buzzing sound. A loose or aged belt can also cause squeaky noises. Short circuits in electronic components might produce noise as well. I recommend first using your phone's flashlight to check the fan area for any debris and try cleaning it. If the noise persists, take your car to a shop for a thorough inspection of the compressor, belt, and cooling system. Ignoring it could make summer driving even more uncomfortable and potentially damage the motor.